Akim Aliu is currently an unattached professional ice hockey player who was born in Nigeria. Throughout his career, he has competed for various AHL and ECHL teams, including the Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets organizations. Most recently, he participated in the Czech Extraliga with HC Litvnov.
Aliu was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 56th overall, and made his NHL debut on April 5, 2012.
While there is no available information about his marital status, it is known that he is involved in a relationship. He has shared images with his purported girlfriend on his Instagram account, tagging her with the username @cpainn88. However, she prefers to maintain a low profile and has chosen not to disclose her identity.
As per his Instagram account, Akim has been in a relationship with the same woman since 2015, and he tweeted the first photo of her in the same year with the caption “Woman in Red”.
On September 13, 2022, he was spotted with his alleged fiancé and family at the Toronto International Film Festival, where they looked splendid and provided each other with unwavering support.
Akim Aliu’s Path in Sports
Having commenced his career at a young age, he was a part of the Elite Toronto Marlboros hockey team before being selected in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League draft by the Windsor Spitfires at the age of 16.
Subsequently, the Chicago Blackhawks drafted him in the second round of the National Hockey League draft after the OHL had previously picked him two years earlier. At 19, he made his professional debut with the American Hockey League’s Rockford Ice Hogs.
Following a successful OHL career spanning four years with the Sudbury Wolves and the London Knights, Akim Aliu joined the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames in 2011.
He has since established himself as a prominent professional player and an advocate for racial equality, diversity, and increased participation in sports, especially hockey for BIPOC youth.
In 2023, he is acknowledged as one of the world’s top professional ice hockey players and has played a significant role in the evolution of the sport and society.
Akim Aliu’s Wealth
It is estimated that Akim Aliu has a net worth of $5 million. He scored his first two NHL goals in a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks and was named the game’s first star. The Flames re-signed him to a one-year deal after the season.
When the Flames chose not to offer him a new contract, he joined the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL on a trial basis a year later. He signed a substantial contract with the Rochester Americans on October 10, 2014, before being released from the team after participating in ten games.
In January 2015, he signed with the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League, where he played approximately 15 games to finish the season. He also signed with AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons and most recently played for HC Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga (ELH).
Former NHL Player Voices Concerns Regarding GTHL
The GTHL turned down a proposal for a new club that aimed to guarantee spots for BIPOC players.
As reported by TSN’s Rick Westhead, former NHL player Akim Aliu believes that the Greater Toronto Hockey League and its directors hindered him from launching a grassroots organization that would offer programming from the house league to the AAA level.
Aliu’s proposed team, the Toronto Dream, would have secured roster spots for BIPOC players and advocated for the employment of women and individuals of color in managerial positions.
Scotiabank and Heinz Canada had proposed significant investment into the club, while Aliu, the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA), and investment partner Jim Nikopoulous would have managed the operations.
It is crucial to support AAA teams as they can inspire minority children to realize their potential and achieve greatness.
